The Effect of Diazinon on Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Testicular Tissue of Rats and The Protective Effect of Vitamin E

Objective Diazinon is an organophosphate pesticide and today this pesticide is mostly used in agriculture. In this study, we analyzed the effects of diazinon and vitamin E on apoptosis and the proliferation of germ cells in rat testis. MaterialsAndMethods In this experimental study 30 male wistar rats, were divided into five groups (N=6). Control, sham (received olive oil), experimental group 1 (60 mg/kg diazinon) Experimental group 2 (60 mg /kg diazinon and 200 mg/kg vitamin E), and experimental group 3 (200 mg/kg vitamin E). After six weeks, left testis was removed for PCNA (proliferative cell nuclear antigen) and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase end-labeling) technique. Results Compared to control group, diazinon in the experimental group 1 decreased the number of positive PCNA cells and increased the number of TUNEL positive cells (P< 0.001). Vitamin E improved changes by decreasing the apoptosis and increasing the proliferation of testicle germ cells (P< 0.001). Conclusion Vitamin E can decrease the number of TUNEL positive cells and increase the number of PCNA positive cells by overcoming the toxicity caused by diazinon in the testis.